Photographer Spotlight: Michael Marotto

When did you know the photography/video industry was for you?

I can remember when as if it were yesterday.  It was May 21, 1980.  I just saw the “Empire Strikes Back”.  I was blown away.   I said I want to do that for a living.  I want to make a living with a camera.  In fact, it’s in my high school yearbook under my picture.  “Will make a living with a camera.”  

About a week later my grandfather gave me his old Bell and Howell 8mm movie camera.  I was hooked.  Then in August of that year my parents gave me a Canon AV-1.  My first still camera. 

How did you get your current position?

I worked my ass off.  I started out doing freelance shooting and editing for other studios as I was building my brand and business.  It was great experience, it paid the bills, and it allowed me to learn the business from others.

Then I started to do bridal shows to get my name out there.  At first we only offered video.  Then my wife suggested we needed to include photography.  So the first ten weddings I photographed I did at no charge so I could obtain experience and have samples to show.

How did your training or schooling prepare you for your job?

School really didn’t play a part in it.  I left college halfway through my sophomore year.  I learned by working for two of the best photographers in the business in my eyes.  I watched them as they applied their craft.  I also paid attention to the business side of the workings.  

In my humble opinion, if you want to be good get behind the camera.  Schooling is great and all.  However some people aren’t cut out for college, or can’t afford it.  Don’t let that stop you.  Pick up the camera, and camera, and shoot.  I don’t care if it’s a cell phone camera.  The principles are the same.  The more you shoot, the better you will get. 

What was the greatest obstacle you had to overcome in pursuing your career? 

Money!!! I was working full time for one of the photographers that taught me the business.  He was paying me okay, but I knew if I wanted my own house and better things in life I had to start my own business

Once again, my grandfather came to my rescue.  When my father died, my grandfather left me half of his estate. A year after my father passed away, my grandfather passed.

I basically bought my uncle out of his share of my grandfather’s house.  I also took an additional $30,000 loan when I bought out my uncle and purchased the gear I needed to start my own business.  

Three days after I bought the gear and about a week after I purchased my house, I quit my job.  Talk about being motivated.  Now I had a mortgage payment and other responsibilities.  So there was no way I was going to fail.

Who would you name as the most influential person in shaping your career and why?

My wife Lisa.  She has been my support system.  She encouraged me to take the chances I wanted to in order to be successful.  When it came time to go digital, she said lets figure out a way to get the equipment.  When it came time to update my gear to go HD she suggested taking out a pension loan.  She has always been there.  Without her and her encouragement to follow my dreams and goals I would not be where I am today

If you could be compensated for your work with something other than money, what would it be?

Thanks.  When someone tells you how much a photograph means to them it’s a really gratifying experience.  

When a bride tells you that someone they were close to passed away and they used the video to ease the pain, that’s priceless. 

I always told my clients that images are great.  However a video is like a time machine.  It brings you back to the moment with sounds and movement.  You get to hear a persons voice again, even though they are no longer with us.  It’s really a powerful thing if you think about it.